Every VHS video (and, every copy) is previewed before cataloguing to make
sure that the item is not defective. I personally have previewed every
non-theatrical video in our collection (I've had this job 11 years now), We
have more than 6000 titles and more than 8,000 copies. We have run into
videos with audio and no video, video with no audio, broken shells and gates,
blank video (2 from A&E) and videos that had no English audio dub that was
supposed to have. We learned early on that some of the vendors would not
accept returns for exchange if the items had our labels and other identifying
materials on them when returned. If you and/or your staff have the time, I
strongly recommend that VHS items should be closely physically examined and
previewed before cataloguing.

We also carry DVD, music CD and cassettes and books on tape and CD. None of
these items are previewed. However, we do closely examine them for physical
defects for easier exchange if necessary.